Senior living frequently asked questions
These are short, sourced answers to the questions people most often ask about senior living, from costs and Medicare coverage to California licensing. Each answer links to a fuller page and cites its source.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of senior living?
The main options are independent living, assisted living, memory care, residential care (board and care) homes, skilled nursing facilities, continuing care retirement communities, respite care and home care.[1][2] See Types of senior living compared.
How much does assisted living cost?
The U.S. median was $6,200 per month in 2025; the California median was $7,000 and the San Diego-area median $6,820.[3][4][5]
How much does a nursing home cost?
In 2025 the U.S. median was $9,581 per month for a semi-private room and $10,798 for a private room.[3]
Does Medicare pay for assisted living or long-term care?
No. Medicare does not pay for long-term custodial care or assisted living. It covers short-term skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying hospital stay and home health for eligible homebound people.[6][7][8]
How many days does Medicare cover in a skilled nursing facility?
Up to 100 days per benefit period. In 2026, days 1-20 cost $0 after the deductible and days 21-100 cost $217 per day.[7]
Does Medicaid pay for assisted living?
Medicaid may cover some assisted living services depending on the state, but not room and board.[1][9] In California, the Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver operates in 15 counties, including San Diego.[10]
What is the Medi-Cal asset limit in 2026?
$130,000 for one person plus $65,000 for each additional household member, from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.[11]
What is VA Aid and Attendance?
A monthly payment added to a VA pension for qualified veterans and survivors who need help with daily activities; the 2026 maximum annual pension rate for a veteran with no dependents is $29,093.[12][13]
What is an RCFE?
In California, a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly is housing for people 60 and over with 24-hour non-medical care and supervision; the term covers assisted living and board and care homes.[14]
How can I check a facility's inspection reports?
For California RCFEs, use the CDSS Care Facility Search; for nursing homes, use Medicare's Care Compare.[15][16]
What is the chance of needing long-term care?
LongTermCare.gov estimates someone turning 65 has almost a 70% chance of needing some long-term care services in their remaining years.[17]
What is respite care?
Short-term relief for family caregivers lasting from a few hours to several weeks, at home, in a facility or at an adult day center.[18]
Who can help me find senior services near me?
The Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116; in San Diego County, Aging & Independence Services at 800-339-4661.[19][20]
Does SeniorLiving.wiki recommend or rank communities?
No. The site does not publish rankings or best-of lists; see the editorial policy.
See also
References
Web pages accessed September 28, 2026 unless noted. See sources and methodology.
- ^ "Long-Term Care Facilities: Assisted Living, Nursing Homes, and Other Residential Care". National Institute on Aging (NIH).
- ^ "Determine the Best Housing Option For Me". California Department of Aging.
- ^ "Cost of Care Survey 2025: national median costs". CareScout (formerly the Genworth Cost of Care Survey). Survey fielded July–November 2025.
- ^ "Cost of Care Survey 2025: Median Cost Data Tables (PDF, dated 03/02/26)". CareScout. 2025 data.
- ^ "Cost of Care Survey 2025 calculator: San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad area". CareScout. 2025 data for the San Diego metropolitan area.
- ^ "Long-term care (coverage page)". Medicare.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
- ^ "Skilled nursing facility care (coverage page; 2026 cost-sharing amounts)". Medicare.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 2026 amounts.
- ^ "Home health services (coverage page)". Medicare.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
- ^ "Assisted Living Facts and Figures". National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL/AHCA).
- ^ "Assisted Living Waiver". California Department of Health Care Services.
- ^ "Asset Limit Frequently Asked Questions (Medi-Cal)". California Department of Health Care Services. Limits effective January 1, 2026.
- ^ "VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance". U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- ^ "Current pension rates for Veterans (effective December 1, 2025)". U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Rates for Dec. 1, 2025–Nov. 30, 2026.
- ^ "Resources for Residents and Families (Senior Care Licensing)". California Department of Social Services.
- ^ "Care Facility Search". California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Search tool.
- ^ "Care Compare (find and compare nursing homes, home health agencies and hospices)". Medicare.gov. Search tool.
- ^ "How Much Care Will You Need?". LongTermCare.gov, Administration for Community Living. Page last modified 02/18/2020.
- ^ "What Is Respite Care?". National Institute on Aging (NIH).
- ^ "Eldercare Locator". Administration for Community Living.
- ^ "About Aging & Independence Services". County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency.